Six Mistakes You Can Make Drinking Water And How To Avoid Them

Glass of water

Water is vital for our health and well-being, as it performs many functions in our body, such as transporting nutrients and oxygen, regulating temperature, lubricating joints, and eliminating waste. However, not all ways of drinking water are equally beneficial, and some can even be harmful. In this article, we will look at six common mistakes that people make when drinking water and how to avoid them. These mistakes include drinking too much or too little water, drinking water at the wrong time or temperature, and drinking water from unsafe sources. You can improve your hydration status and optimize your health by avoiding these mistakes.

Mistake 1: Drinking Too Much Water

This can occur when one consumes excessive amounts of water without replenishing the electrolytes that regulate the water balance. Some experts advise drinking large quantities of water, such as a gallon per day, as if it were the most beneficial thing to do. However, this may not be suitable for everyone, depending on their level of physical activity, perspiration, electrolyte intake, and sea salt consumption.

Drinking too much water can result in electrolyte dilution, especially sodium, and cause a condition known as hyponatremia, where the blood sodium level is too low. This is actually a form of dehydration. Therefore, drinking too much water can lead to a state of dehydration. It is important to note that this is not an argument against water; rather, it is a recommendation to drink the appropriate amount. Ideally, one should rely on the sensation of thirst to indicate when to drink water.

Conversely, if one is susceptible to kidney stones, one should drink at least two and a half liters of fluid per day, as kidney stones form in highly concentrated urine. Drinking enough water can prevent the formation of stones.

However, there is no universal recommendation for how much water everyone should drink, as this depends on many factors, such as age, weight, health, climate, and diet.

Mistake 2: Drinking Water Too Quickly

Another mistake people make when drinking water is gulping it down too fast. Drinking water can affect hydration and kidney function. The body can optimally hydrate when water is consumed in small quantities over a prolonged period. Alternatively, ingesting large volumes of water in a brief time may compromise hydration efficiency. Moreover, rapid water intake can exert pressure on the kidneys, which require sufficient time to filter and eliminate excess water. Drinking water at a slow pace can assist the kidneys in regulating the fluid balance more effectively. Therefore, it is advisable to drink water slowly and steadily and to sip it throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once.

Mistake 3: Relying on Other Fluids for Hydration

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Some people think that they can get enough hydration from other fluids, such as coffee, tea, alcohol, or soda, but this is not true. These fluids have a diuretic effect, which means that they make the body lose water through urine. This can lead to dehydration, which can cause symptoms such as dry mouth, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and constipation. Dehydration can also impair the function of the kidneys, heart, brain, and skin. To avoid dehydration, it is important to drink water as the main source of hydration and to limit the intake of diuretic fluids. If you drink coffee or tea, you should drink an extra glass of water for each cup. If you drink alcohol, you should drink one glass of water for each alcoholic drink. Soda should be avoided altogether, as it contains not only caffeine but also sugar and artificial additives that can harm your health.

Mistake 4: Drinking Water During Meals

Drinking water during meals can interfere with the digestion process, especially of protein. This is because water can dilute the gastric juices, such as hydrochloric acid, that are needed to break down the food in the stomach. If the gastric juices are too weak, they may not be able to digest the protein properly, leading to problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux. To avoid this, it is advisable to drink water at least 30 minutes before or after a meal, rather than with the meal. If you feel thirsty while eating, you can drink a small amount of water, but not too much. If you have a low production of gastric juices, you should avoid drinking water with your meals altogether.

Mistake 5: Drinking Extremely Cold Water

Drinking extremely cold water in large amounts can harm the vagus nerve, which is a nerve that connects the brain to the digestive system. The vagus nerve is responsible for stimulating the production of gastric juices, regulating the movement of the stomach and intestines, and sending signals of satiety and hunger. When you drink very cold water, it can shock the vagus nerve and slow down its function, resulting in impaired digestion and appetite. Some people may not experience any problems from drinking cold water, but if you have a weak digestive system, you should avoid it. Instead, you should drink water that is at room temperature or slightly warm, as this can help the vagus nerve function better and improve your digestion.

Mistake 6: Drinking Tap Water

Faucet/Tap Water

Drinking tap water may seem safe and convenient, but it can actually contain many harmful substances that can affect your health. Tap water is often treated with chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride, which can kill the beneficial bacteria in your gut, disrupt your thyroid function, and damage your teeth. Tap water can also be contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, hormones, and heavy metals, which can cause various diseases and disorders, such as cancer, infertility, and neurological problems. Moreover, tap water can contain microplastics, which are tiny pieces of plastic that can accumulate in your body and cause inflammation and toxicity. To avoid these risks, it is advisable to drink filtered water or bottled water that is free of these contaminants. You should also use a filter for your shower and faucet, as these can also expose you to harmful chemicals and microplastics.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, water is vital for our health, as it supports many essential functions in our body. Yet, optimal hydration is not just about drinking enough water, but also the right way. We can avoid common errors, such as drinking too much or too fast, relying on caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, drinking with meals, drinking very cold water, and ignoring the quality of our water source. These steps can help us improve our well-being. We can also adjust our hydration to our personal needs, depending on our activity, health, and climate. This article has shown how to avoid the pitfalls of water consumption and adopt a mindful and health-conscious hydration habit. The way we drink water matters as much as how much we drink, as it affects our overall wellness.